diff --git a/bebop/config.py b/bebop/config.py
index 5ee158c..f69f452 100644
--- a/bebop/config.py
+++ b/bebop/config.py
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG = {
         "-nodes",
         "-keyform", "PEM",
         "-keyout", "{key_path}",
+        "-utf8",
         "-x509",
         "-days", "28140",  # https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9L4q-0Pi4E
         "-outform", "PEM",